Cheesy Beef Salsa Mac & More
This comforting dish blends hearty ground beef, zesty salsa, and creamy Velveeta cheese to create a delightful fusion of flavors that your entire family will love. A quick and easy dinner option, it's perfect for busy weeknights. The macaroni absorbs the salsa's tanginess, while the Velveeta melts into a luscious cheese sauce, making this a scrumptious one-pan meal that's sure to become a favorite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Salsa
16 ounces (none)
Water
2 cups (none)
Elbow macaroni
7 ounces (none)
Velveeta cheese
1/4 lb (cut up)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
2
Add the salsa and water to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni, making sure it's evenly distributed in the liquid.
4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5
Stir in the cut-up Velveeta cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef Salsa Mac & More?
It is a comforting one-pan dish that blends ground beef, zesty salsa, and creamy Velveeta cheese with elbow macaroni.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How much ground beef is required for this dish?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef.
What size jar of salsa should I use?
The recipe calls for a 16-ounce jar of salsa.
How much water is added to the mixture?
You should add 2 cups of water.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
7 ounces of elbow macaroni is recommended for this dish.
How much Velveeta cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 lb of Velveeta cheese.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat and then drained of any excess fat.
When do I add the salsa and water?
Add the salsa and water to the skillet after the beef has been fully cooked and drained.
How long should the macaroni simmer?
The macaroni should simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the skillet while the macaroni simmers to help it absorb the liquid properly.
How should I prepare the Velveeta cheese before adding it?
The Velveeta cheese should be cut up into small pieces to help it melt more evenly.
When is the cheese added to the recipe?
Stir in the cut-up Velveeta cheese after the macaroni is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this is a convenient one-pan meal, making cleanup very easy.
What gives this dish its creamy texture?
The Velveeta cheese melts into the mixture to create a luscious, creamy cheese sauce.
Can I use a different type of beef?
While 1 lb of ground beef is standard, you can use leaner beef or even ground turkey if preferred.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
What heat setting should I use for browning the beef?
The beef should be browned over medium heat.
Do I need to boil the macaroni separately?
No, the macaroni is added directly to the skillet with the salsa and water mixture.
What should I do if the liquid is not absorbed after 10 minutes?
Continue to simmer for another minute or two, or stir in the cheese which will help thicken the remaining liquid.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: ground beef, salsa, water, elbow macaroni, and Velveeta cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the variety of salsa you choose, ranging from mild to hot.
What tags describe this meal?
Tags include beef, macaroni, cheese, salsa, easy dinner, one-pan meal, and comfort food.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta is used for its specific melting properties, but you can use shredded cheddar, though the sauce may be less creamy.
How do I serve this dish?
It should be served hot immediately after the cheese has melted.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is browning the ground beef in a large skillet.
Should the mixture be brought to a boil?
Yes, bring the salsa, water, and beef mixture to a boil before adding the macaroni.
What is the total amount of macaroni needed in ounces?
The recipe requires 7 ounces of elbow macaroni.
Is the serving size specified?
The recipe makes 6 servings, though the specific weight per serving is not provided.
Why is water added to the recipe?
Water provides the necessary liquid for the macaroni to cook and absorb while simmering in the skillet.